Liverpool close to deal for French winger

Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux after the player claimed that he has been contacted by the Reds about a possible move in the summer.

Marveaux's contract with the Ligue 1 side runs out at the end of the season and he will be available on a free transfer which has led to him being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United.

It was widely reported that Liverpool had invited the 24-year-old to Anfield to watch a home game against Wolves earlier in the season and it now seems as though the club are ready to offer him a deal.

Liverpool are already identifying a number of possible summer targets as manager Kenny Dalglish attempts to improve his squad as the club intend to push for a top four finish next season.

With a left-sided defender a priority, Liverpool also know that they need to add some wide men to their squad as they have been forced to play forward Dirk Kuyt on the right wing on a number of occasions.

According to goal.com Ligue 1 expert Robin Baimer, Marveaux is "technical and strong, but above all, he's quick and powerful", drawing comparisons with fellow countryman Florent Malouda.

Liverpool have also struggled to find a left winger and have tended to use either Joe Cole or Maxi Rodriguez who both prefer to cut inside and link with the forwards rather than go down the line.

However, with Marveaux also a part of the new breed of wingers that prefer to take the play central, Liverpool would not necessarily be acquiring an out-and-out winger.

Marveaux has played for France Under-21's and last season managed to score 10 goals for Rennes and now the winger has revealed that he is close to moving to Merseyside. 

"I am very close to reaching agreement with Liverpool about joining them next season," Marveaux told The People.

The left-sided player is currently recovering from a groin injury and is not expected to play again this season.

He has suffered extensively with injuries throughout his career, missing the European U19 Championships in 2005 due to knee ligament damage, almost te entire 2008-09 campaign due to a torn hamstring and a number of intermittent injuries that have stifled his progress.

Marveuax's club value the player at £7 million, though they have already conceded they will be losing him for nothing in the summer.

Rennes have introduced the likes of Yacine Brahimi and Jires Kembo-Ekoko into the first team, as they begin building for a future without their talented French winger.

Source: Sportsvibe.co.uk

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